* by Benjamin Tomkins

Best Mileage Ratings

Top 2006 Models

Why Buy a Hybrid Now?
With feverish gas prices and a growing array of new models,
hybrid cars have great appeal. Is now the time to leap?

THE T WO BIG REASONS for buying a hybrid automo- First, some facts: bile, fuel economy and environmental impact, remain Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) have only a 1 percent mar-compelling. Improved technology and a host of new mod- ket share, but momentum is accelerating. Back in 2001, els may help hybrids zoom into the mainstream in 2006. hybrid sales in the United States were a paltry 20,782, Still, jumping into anything has its risks. Whether it’s an according to J.D. Power & Associates. Fast-forward to 2005 investment, a swimming pool or a hybrid car, it’s savvy to and there are six-month waiting lists and projected sales look before you leap. of 220,000; estimates predict hybrid sales will surpass

500,000 in 2009.

Since the pioneers in the hybrid marketplace, Toyota and Honda, have proved that drivers will pay more for hybrids—on average $2,500 to $3,000 more, according to Edmunds.com—other manufacturers have rushed in to meet the demand. As a result, drivers have unprecedented choices: More than 10 HEVs are being offered for 2006, _{Three 2006} and 38 more are planned by 2011. models represent the expanding _{range of hybrid} New Models, Improved Mileage sizes and prices, Expanding beyond the confines of midsize sedans and two- from the Ford

_{Escape SUV (top)} seaters, the 2006 hybrid lineup includes eight SUVs and to the midsize four trucks. (For a complete rundown of the EPA mileage Lexus RX 400h

_{(middle) and the} and emissions ratings for 2006 model year hybrids, click Honda Accord here.) The 2006 hybrid trucks offer negligible improve- ^Hybrid. ments in fuel efficiency yet still have the hefty hybrid markup. The impressive mileage numbers for the new hybrid SUVs are based on ideal driving conditions; check automotive blogs and reviews for real-world figures.

If these SUVs deliver as promised, they may finally make hybrids a viable option for families. And Toyota’s HEV Sienna minivan, scheduled for release in 2007, is highly anticipated among soccer moms and ballet dads.

10 green*light WINTER 2005 I 2006

Though Toyota’s Prius remains the best-selling hybrid, the revamped Honda Civic Hybrid is the toast of 2006. Beyond raves for the eye-catching design, Honda’s internal motor-assist hybrid system boosts power 18 percent and fuel economy to 50 miles per gallon. The Civic came out too late to be included in the EPA fuel economy rankings; had it been, it would have ranked third. (For the top overall fuel economy models for the 2006 model year, click here.)

Long-Distance Options Because braking charges their battery, hybrids excel in stop-and-go city traffic. That’s not a plus for long-distance commuters. Diesel is an alternative that can push highway